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I have noticed a ticking sound that is louder than normal coming from the drivers side of engine compartment. This sound is something like what others have described as lifters, but I have read that the N54 engine typ does not have this issue, so I took it to the stealer for service to look at it. Withing a few min. the tech found the problem. On the Drivers side, towards the very back of the engine compartment there is an emissions purge valve that takes the fumes from the gas tank and sends them into the intake. This purge valve's opening and closing is the source of the sound. It is alot louder than the tech has ever heard before and so they are putting a new one in under the warranty.
Just wanted to pass this info on to anyone who may also have this noise. The tech said that it would more than likely be just fine, but due to the loud sound, he will for fear that it may be going bad.

I have noticed a ticking sound that is louder than normal coming from the drivers side of engine compartment. This sound is something like what others have described as lifters, but I have read that the N54 engine typ does not have this issue, so I took it to the stealer for service to look at it. Withing a few min. the tech found the problem. On the Drivers side, towards the very back of the engine compartment there is an emissions purge valve that takes the fumes from the gas tank and sends them into the intake. This purge valve's opening and closing is the source of the sound. It is alot louder than the tech has ever heard before and so they are putting a new one in under the warranty.
Just wanted to pass this info on to anyone who may also have this noise. The tech said that it would more than likely be just fine, but due to the loud sound, he will for fear that it may be going bad.

Sorry, I stand corrected. I was unsure about it but they did fix the ticking noise on warranty.
I do appreciate the info though.

It is rare from what I understand. We had it in the N54, only once, and it was cured by driving to work in 4th on the highway, so in my case, it was just some air in the lifter assembly. Others have had different issues. Glad it was taken care of though, from what I understand, dealers are understanding of the issue.

While searching this forum for info on my odd intermittent ticking noise I found this thread... sounds exactly like what I have. I've only owned my 2009 335xi for 2 months, so I took it to the dealer to make sure it was ok... still under warranty. They said the ticking noise was normal for the n54 engine and it was a combination of the fuel tank vent valve and fuel injectors. I was told the n54 is just louder than most, especially in cold weather. I hope they are right... can't wait til summer to hear if it changes.

While searching this forum for info on my odd intermittent ticking noise I found this thread... sounds exactly like what I have. I've only owned my 2009 335xi for 2 months, so I took it to the dealer to make sure it was ok... still under warranty. They said the ticking noise was normal for the n54 engine and it was a combination of the fuel tank vent valve and fuel injectors. I was told the n54 is just louder than most, especially in cold weather. I hope they are right... can't wait til summer to hear if it changes.